Italy and Poland into 2025 World Championship semifinals

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines moved into its final phase this week as quarterfinal winners Italy and Poland advanced to face each other in a highly anticipated semifinal, while two remaining quarterfinals between Czechia and Iran and the United States and Bulgaria are scheduled later in the tournament. The knockout rounds have produced upsets, first-time milestones and the elimination of several pre-tournament favorites across venues in Quezon City and Pasay City.

Defending champion Italy reached the last four after a straight sets victory over Belgium in a quarterfinal held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Italy closed out the match 25-13, 25-18, 25-18 to extend their title defense and set up a rematch with world No. 1 Poland, a pairing that harks back to the 2022 final. Italy’s balanced attack was led by Roberto Russo, Alessandro Michieletto and Mattia Bottolo, with captain Simone Giannelli providing key playmaking throughout the win, match reports said.

Poland booked its semifinal berth with a 3-0 win over Türkiye, prevailing 25-15, 25-22, 25-19. Poland dominated in attack, serving and blocking, with Wilfredo Leon, Jakub...